Ko Tarutao

Ko Tarutao is the largest island in Tarutao National Marine Park in Satun Province, southern Thailand, located about 30 km off the mainland in the Andaman Sea. Known for its undeveloped beaches, dense jungle, and mountainous interior, it was formerly a penal settlement from 1938 to 1948. Now protected as a national park and ASEAN Heritage Park, it offers pristine nature, historic prison ruins, and low-impact camping-based tourism.

Visitors can expect a remote, largely undeveloped island with long sandy beaches such as Ao Pante Malacca and Ao Son, dense tropical forest and mangroves, and a mountainous interior. Facilities are basic and park-managed, centered at Ao Pante Malacca pier area with bungalows, campsites, a restaurant and visitor centre. Exploration is on foot or by kayak, with historic penal colony ruins, short jungle trails, a crocodile cave accessible by boat, and clear water for snorkeling. No resorts, shops or nightlife; electricity is limited to certain hours.

Ko Tarutao served as a penal colony for political prisoners and serious offenders from 1938 to 1948. Two main prisons were built at Ao Taloh Wow and Ao Taloh Udang. During World War II, supply shortages led to hardship and the site was later abandoned. Ruins of the prisons, kilns and buildings remain and are preserved within the national park.

The island is part of Tarutao National Marine Park, established in 1974 and designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park. It is valued for its conservation of pristine Andaman Sea ecosystems and as a model of low-impact, nature-based tourism in Thailand.